string

Also called cosmic string. Physics. a mathematical entity used to represent elementary particles, as gravitons, quarks, or leptons, in terms of a small but finite stringlike object existing in the four dimensions of spacetime and in additional, hypothetical, spacelike dimensions. The theory of such objects (string theory) avoids the many mathematical difficulties that arise from treating particles as points.

4.

a narrow strip of flexible material, as cloth or leather, for tying parts together:

the strings of a bonnet.

5.

a necklace consisting of a number of beads, pearls, or the like threaded or strung on a cord; strand:

She wore a double string of pearls.

6.

any series of things arranged or connected in a line or following closely one after another:

a string of islands; a string of questions.

7.

a series of railroad cars coupled together but not constituting an entire train.

8.

Journalism. a compilation of clippings of a stringer's published writings, submitted in request of payment according to an agreed space rate.

9.

a group of animals, especially saddle horses, owned or used by one person:

a string of polo ponies.

10.

(in a musical instrument) a tightly stretched cord or wire that produces a tone when caused to vibrate, as by plucking, striking, or friction of a bow.

before 900; (noun) Middle Englishstring, streng,Old Englishstreng; cognate with Dutchstreng,GermanStrang; akin to Latinstringere to bind; (v.) late Middle Englishstringen to string a bow, derivative of the noun

string

n.

Old English streng "line, cord, thread," from Proto-Germanic *strangiz (cf. Old Norse strengr, Danish streng, Middle Dutch strenge, Dutch streng, Old High German strang, German Strang "rope, cord"), from *strang- "taut, stiff," from PIE root *strenk- "tight, narrow; pull tight, twist" (see strain). Gradually restricted by early Middle English to lines that are smaller than a rope. Sense of "a number of objects arranged in a line" first recorded late 15c.

Old English meaning "ligaments, tendons" is preserved in hamstring, heartstrings. Meaning "limitations, stipulations" (1888) is American English, probably from the common April Fool's joke of leaving a purse that looks full of money on the sidewalk, then tugging it away with an attached string when someone stoops to pick it up. To pull strings "control the course of affairs" (1860) is from the notion of puppet theater. First string, second string, etc. in athletics (1863) is from archers' custom of carrying spare bowstrings in the event that one breaks. Strings "stringed instruments" is attested from mid-14c. String bean is from 1759; string bikini is from 1974.

string

v.

c.1400, "to fit a bow with a string," from string (n.). Meaning "to thread (beads, etc.) on a string" is from 1610s. To string (someone) along is slang from 1902; string (v.) in this sense is attested in British dialect from c.1812.